As he reached the stairwell, a cheerful voice echoed from the hall below: "Brother Bai Mo, how have you been lately!" The stranger had short, messy golden hair, thick brows, large eyes, and emerald-green irises that held a deep, ancient weariness.
He wore a black suit, looking every bit a mob boss—except his eyes lacked the usual arrogance and swagger.
His face radiated warmth as he strode in, greeted Bai Mo, and pulled him into a bear hug.
Behind him trailed a boy of seven or eight. A closer look revealed the child bore a striking resemblance to the man, but his eyes held cold arrogance and an air of invincibility.
Dressed head-to-toe in black like his father, the boy’s expression and outfit screamed future gang leader.
Bai Mo was startled by the man’s enthusiasm but kept his manners, returning the hug with forced warmth. "Same as always," he replied. "Nothing good or bad."
By then, the Bai sisters had descended the stairs into the hall.
Spotting them, Bai Mo waved. "Ting’er, Ling’er, come greet Uncle Qiao!" Hearing this, the sisters realized the visitor was Qiao Yun, head of the Qiao Family.
They approached Qiao Yun in unison, their voices dripping with honeyed sweetness: "Uncle Qiao!" The sound melted him to his bones. Bai Ting added playfully, "I’m Bai Ting."
Their family rules dictated that juniors must wait for elders to finish speaking. Bai Ling obeyed, staying silent until Bai Ting finished before saying softly, "I’m Bai Ling." Years of closeness had made them perfectly in sync. Bai Ting knew this—though she dropped all pretense around Bai Ling, she played the model girl before outsiders.
Though Qiao Yun already knew their names, their brief introductions sweetened his heart like honey.
"Wonderful! Wonderful! Years apart, and you’ve grown even more radiant—surpassing your mother’s beauty from back then!" He burst into hearty laughter.
The sisters’ cheeks flushed crimson at his words.
Seeing their shy blushes, Qiao Yun laughed even louder.
Bai Mo couldn’t stand it. How dare he tease his daughters? He shot back sourly, "Shameless! At your age, flirting with little girls? Where’s your dignity gone?"
Yue Xin, behind Bai Mo, stifled a giggle behind her crimson lips. She knew her husband was jealous.
Qiao Yun nearly choked on his own spit at Bai Mo’s acidic remark. His face reddened. He coughed lightly to cover his embarrassment and declared solemnly, "It’s grown all the way up the city wall."
Bai Mo gaped, pointing at Qiao Yun. "You—you—" He sputtered, face flushed, unable to form a full sentence. Yue Xin shook with silent laughter but maintained composure—despite Qiao Yun not being a true outsider, her upbringing as Yue Kingdom’s former princess forbade losing face.
After a moment, she intervened smoothly: "Enough, both of you. Brother Qiao didn’t come here to bicker." Qiao Yun nearly clapped with relief at his sister-in-law’s support.
He shot a mocking glance at Bai Mo. "See, Brother? Sister-in-law’s got your back." Bai Mo’s anger flared anew. Then his tone shifted calmly: "Hmm? Perfect timing. I’ve been itching for a sparring partner lately. Haven’t practiced in ages—wonder if my magic’s rusty. Brother Qiao, once this is settled, don’t you dare run off early."
Qiao Yun blinked in surprise at Bai Mo’s sudden calm. Before he could process it, Bai Mo’s words sank in—he was the target. Qiao Yun instantly cowered.
Though now a leader in the Mage War Generals Squad, he lacked confidence against its former head. Back then, Qiao Yun had been a nobody, elevated only by Bai Mo’s mentorship.
Bai Mo had often used him as a training dummy to test his magic. Qiao Yun knew it was meant to help him improve, but each session left him battered and traumatized.
He refused to be that "old mentor’s" punching bag again after years apart. Desperate to divert attention, he turned to his son. "Ah! Almost forgot. Shan’er, go greet Uncle Bai properly."
Qiao Shan had been staring wide-eyed at the sisters, drooling slightly. To outsiders, he seemed fixated on both—but only they knew his gaze was locked on Bai Ling.
He’d never seen such a cute girl. Her delicate face and radiant smile were like winter sunlight warming the earth, leaving him utterly enchanted.
He vowed to marry her someday and show her the world. Lost in daydreams, he snapped back when his father’s voice cut through.
Qiao Shan composed himself and bowed politely to Bai Mo. "Uncle Bai, hello!"
Still fuming, Bai Mo instantly melted into a beaming smile. "Ah! Good lad!" His self-control was impeccable—even if it was person-specific.
Qiao Shan then shuffled nervously to Bai Ling, scratching his head without meeting her eyes. "Um... can I know your name?"
He ignored Bai Ting entirely—why like an older girl? Bai Ting towered over him, while Bai Ling seemed shorter (though they were nearly the same height) and fragile, sparking his protective instincts.
Bai Ting bristled at this brat stealing attention. She opened her mouth to retort, but Bai Mo cut in with a chuckle: "Haha, Brother Qiao, your son’s just like you!" He flashed Qiao Yun a sly smile—revenge for earlier irritation.
Qiao Yun flushed but shamelessly shot back: "What’s wrong with that? If he weren’t like me, how’d he ever charm girls?" Bai Mo huffed, falling silent.
Yue Xin sighed at the two troublemakers. "Honestly, at your age? Bickering in front of kids—shameful."
She turned to the sisters. "Ting’er, Ling’er, take Qiao Shan out for a proper tour today." Bai Ting groaned reluctantly, "Okaaay~" Bound by filial duty, she had no choice.
